Combining suspense with satire and making it work may not be the easiest thing for a writer to do, but Rich Wickliffe did not want to shy away from the challenge.

“I want to be the first writer to successfully combine suspense with satire,” the Coral Springs resident said. “That’s what I’ve tried to do in ‘Tropical Windfall.’ There are a lot of clichés that I’ve turned upside down. I hope I got it right.”

“Tropical Windfall,” Wickliffe’s first novel, is set in South Florida and takes the reader on a journey that starts from Key West and moves through Miami Beach, Boca Raton, and Palm Beach. “I’ve been here for 32 years," he said. "I know the many nuances of South Florida. It’s beautiful, bizarre, romantic and sometimes scary.”

It was a news story that inspired the novel, Wickliffe said. “I heard about a couple who found a fortune and reported it to the authorities. As no one came to claim it, they were allowed to keep it. It made me think what would happen if the bad guys came back to claim the money. ‘Tropical Windfall’ tells the story of a couple who gets a fortune but reports only half of it to the authorities.”

Read the full article in today's issue of the Coral Springs Forum. Arun can be reached at 954-574-5339.

> Discuss this entry

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

All schools in Parkland will have their own school resource officers during the current academic year.

The two elementary schools, middle school and high school in the city had their own SROs last year as well, but city officials had recently discussed the feasibility of making the two elementary schools share a SRO. The other officer was to add to BSO’s presence on city roads.

At a recent budget workshop, Mayor Michael Udine said, “This year, every school will have SROs. It’s paid for; it is budgeted. The issue is pretty much resolved.”

Udine’s comment came in the wake of the safety sub-committee of the city’s education advisory board asking the commission to ensure all schools in Parkland have an SRO each.

Becki Eikevik, EAB chairperson, expressed happiness at the commission’s decision. “We have been told that the new elementary school that is coming up will also have an SRO," she said. "Many parents were upset when they heard the commission might make the existing elementary schools share an SRO."

Read the full article in the Coral Springs Forum on Aug. 28. Arun can be reached at 954-574-5339.

> Discuss this entry

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

The Parkland building department has not seen much activity over the last year with the real estate market being what it is, but the city is not planning to outsource its operations. At least, not yet.

"The city does not need to outsource the department, but it needs to operate better," City Manager Caryn Gardner-Young said at a budget workshop Wednesday. "We will be implementing uniforms for staff. Jeans, shorts or sneakers won't be permitted. Internal coordination and customer contact will be improved. We will have an ombudsman and also shorten the time period for processing permits."

Vice Mayor Jared Moskowitz said he would let the economy dictate his decision. "Last year, we had 5,400 permits. This year, it is 2,300. If the number goes down further, the department will become a significant expense to the city. Let us see where we are in January," he said.

Mayor Michael Udine also wanted to see what the situation would be in January. "I would like to see how it works out," he said. "I also like the idea of an ombudsman."

> Discuss this entry

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

Even as I write this, Diane Kolhagen, Jose Castellanos and Joe Luff would have left Memphis in their wake.

The three Coral Springs residents left the city Saturday morning on their Harley-Davidsons, and plan to return in 30 days, after having traveled a little over 8,000 miles. None of them have ever done anything remotely similar to what they are attempting to do now, but that is not one of their worries.

"We've been thinking about this trip for more than a year," Luff said. "I've been half away around the world as part of the military, but I have not see my own backyard. This is the best way to do it," he said.

Kolhagen has been riding motorcycles since she was 12. "I have six brothers, and all of them are motorsport people," she said. "Many years ago, my parents also took a road trip similar to ours. I don't need to look anywhere else for inspiration."

Read a bigger version of the article in the Coral Springs Forum on Aug. 28.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0) | Share:

With constraints in the 2007-2008 budget, the Parkland Library was forced to reduce its hours from 57 per week to 46. This year will be better for the library, which will operate 52 hours a week.

The increase in number of hours is due a $21,000 grant to the city by Friends of the Parkland Library, an organization that has worked for the expansion of the library since 1992. The money will be used to pay salaries until September 2009. The library has 10 employees, six of which are part time staff.

Existing part-time employees will get some of the hours they had lost, said library director Suzi Hayes. “Most libraries are reducing hours. In the current climate, it’s unusual for a library to be expanding its hours. It’s wonderful to have such a great support group. Last year, they spent $50,000 for the construction of the library patio.” Natalie Bigio, Friends of the Parkland Library president, said the organization did not want the library to suffer due to budget cuts. “We had the money because we have no administrative expenses. When this need came, we had to act, and we did."

The library will now be open from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

> Discuss this entry

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

Schools in Parkland will have more space to accommodate students by 2009-2010.

When school reopens sometime in September 2009, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School will have 30 additional classrooms and six new science labs. Westglades Middle School will grow too, adding 24 classrooms. The new elementary school that will open in time for the next academic year is expected to provide relief to Riverglades and Park Trails, the existing two elementary schools in the city.

The addition of classrooms at the high school is part of the plan for class size reduction, school board member Stephanie Kraft said. “School enrollment, in general, has gone down in the area as people are moving out of South Florida. Our goal is to have a class size of 25 students in a high school, 22 in middle school and 18 in elementary schools.”

Douglas High principal Ann Kowalskis said she was excited by the classroom addition. “The classrooms will be ready at the end of this year or the beginning of the next academic year. We’ve needed this ever since we had critical overcrowded status. We have 38 portables on campus now; we may end up keeping them. We are continuously growing; enrolment continues to increase.”

Parkland School Advisory Board chairwoman Becky Eikevik welcomed the classroom addition at the high school and middle school. “It’s something we have needed for quite a while. There is growth in Parkland and our schools needed to grow too. If the city gets the wedge, we will need new schools.”

Read the complete article in the Coral Springs Forum on Aug. 21. Reach Arun at 954-574-5339.

> Discuss this entry

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

Alain Conesa, a Coral Springs resident, does a lot before heading to school each morning, and not all of it has to do with studies.

For more than a year, Conesa, 18, has donned the businessman’s hat in addition to being a student at Boca Prep International School. Amazing Animalz, the company he owns, offers pet sitting, dog walking and cage cleaning services. Dogs, cats, birds, small animals, reptiles, amphibians, fish: the business covers them all.

“I start my day at 5 a.m.,” the teenager said. “By 8 a.m., I am done with work and ready for school. If I need to go to another client’s house, I do it after I come back from school. It works out pretty well.”

The teenager provides service in Coral Springs, Parkland and Tamarac. “Right now, I do all the work. When I start making enough money, I will be able to expand to other cities as well. I don’t earn much now, but when I do, I plan to hire someone to help me,” he said.

Read the full version of the article in the Coral Springs Forum on Aug. 21. Reach Arun at 954-574-5339.

> Discuss this entry

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

Patience is a virtue, but James Flaig did not want to wait. Not when he knew he and his friends had it in them to make a real difference in the lives of others.

The 16-year-old Coral Springs resident, who is a student at American Heritage School in Plantation, is the inspiration behind Can-Teens, an organization that is dedicated to providing hunger relief by supporting food banks in America. Over the last few months, Can-Teen members have assisted food banks in organizing pantries and making food boxes. They also gathered donations through food drives and bake sales, and spent time helping food banks in the county.

“It’s not just me. Teenagers, in general, are looking for a good cause to be involved in,” said James, or Joey to his friends. “The goal of Can-Teens is to let teens know how bad the hunger problem is across America. The more you know about the situation, the more you want to help.”

Last year alone, Can-Teens collected 1,783 cans and collectively volunteered more than 600 hours to food banks in the community. “Next year, we are shooting for 5,000 cans and over 1,000 volunteer hours. I know we can do it,” Joey said.

Read more in the Coral Springs Forum on Aug. 21. Reach Arun at 954-574-5339.

> Discuss this entry

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

The Coral Springs Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for the Leadership Class of 2008–2009.

The mission of Leadership Coral Springs is to provide an opportunity for growing leaders in businesses and organizations throughout the area. It is designed for business owners, managers, career-minded individuals, as well as community volunteers and individuals from the public sector.

The program has two facilitators: Wendy King of Wellness with Wendy, who won the small business leader of the year award in 2007, and Ray Zentis from Zentis Associates Inc, who is the leadership coach.

Chamber of Commerce president Cindy Brief, who graduated from the leadership class in 2003, said it was one of the best experiences she has ever had. “I was able to meet a lot of people in the community," she said. "I still maintain a relationship with the people I met then. The program basically develops leaders in the community.”

There are usually about 25 people in the class. "Acceptance into the program is on a first-come, first-served basis," brief said. "Classes are held one a month, beginning Oct. 17. It is a chance to learn about the inner workings of the city. You go on field trips and meet city officials and staff.”

Class members will graduate at the Coral Springs business awards gala on April 24. The cost of the entire class is $650 for chamber members, and $950 for others.

Call the Coral Springs Chamber at 954-752-4242, ext. 12, or e-mail info@cschamber.com. The application can also be downloaded at www.cschamber.com.

> Discuss this entry

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

It's a long time coming, but Parkland will finally have its third elementary school.

Elementary School “Z,” to be located on 12 acres of land, will open in time for the 2009-2010 school year and will have space for 960 students. The new school will be the first one in the county to have a photovoltaic roof system that collects solar energy as a source of electricity. Special energy efficient transformers have also been included in the school’s design.

Skanska USA Building Inc. will be the construction manager for the project.

The opening of the 126,376-square-foot school is expected to provide relief to Riverglades Elementary School and Park Trails Elementary, both of which have experienced overcrowding in recent years. The new school had been a part of the school board’s plans for the last few years and would have opened earlier if not for a decision to switch sites.

The new school would be great for Parkland, Mayor Michael Udine said. “It is a big, big benefit for the city. The schools in our area are so good that they are getting overcrowded. Anything that can be done to provide relief is a big win for Parkland. The building will use solar energy; that fits right in with what we are trying to do.”

Read a longer version of the story in the Aug. 14 issue of the Forum. Reach Arun at 954-574-5339.

> Discuss this entry

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

Here is good news for parents in and around Coral Springs who have children with moderate to severe disabilities.

Abi’s Place, a new school in Coral Springs for special needs children, opened Monday. The school is currently registering for the 2008-2009 school year. The fall semester at the school will begin on Aug. 25.

Abi’s Place is named after Abigail Zimmerman, daughter of Brett and Danielle Zimmerman who founded the school after feeling there was a need for a school devoted to children with similar special needs. The school is located at 10168 West Sample Road in Coral Springs and can serve up to 20 students, ages 3 to 10.

“Abi, and children like her, deserve a loving, caring place to learn and fulfill their potential,” said Danielle Zimmerman, the school’s executive officer. “We are thrilled to be able to expand on our efforts and help more local children through the creation of Abi’s Place.”

The new school will offer aftercare and camps for spring, summer and winter breaks. Visit www.abisplace.com.

> Discuss this entry

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

Smiling and exchanging pleasantries with nearly everyone inside the restaurant, even going inside the kitchen to meet surprised staff, Governor Charlie Crist created quite an impression at Wings Plus in Coral Springs Thursday afternoon.

The governor, who attended an event in Pompano Beach earlier during the day, seemed happy to be among friends, and seemed to know many by their first names. In the midst of happily posing for pictures during his less-than-an-hour sojourn, the governor also talked about “always fighting for the people.”

Coral Springs Mayor Scott Brook, Vice Mayor Vince Boccard, commissioner Ted Mena, City Manager Mike Levinson, and Assistant City Manager Erdal Donmez were among those who greeted Crist. The governor had a ready smile for all those he met, and a warm hug for Brian Walsh, Wings Plus owner.

"He has been here a couple of times before,” Walsh said. “He likes our food and the family atmosphere. It was hastily arranged, but I’m glad that he came.”

> Discuss this entry

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

Two Parkland teenagers are giving the city a good name while making life better for those at the Children’s Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Fort Lauderdale.

It all began with Ben Gajus deciding to put his summer to a worthwhile use. After a few years of going to the Coral Springs Medical Center with his mother during Christmas time to donate toys, the teenager wanted to take the next step. Bill Strode, his friend and teammate on the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School football team, was excited to become involved.

Over the last few weeks, Ben and Bill have been collecting gently used items for the children at the Children’s Diagnostic and Treatment Center. The medical facility provides care for uninsured and under-insured children with chronic illnesses like HIV, diabetes and cancer.

“The economy is so bad that they need all the help they can get,” Ben said. “We are trying to get as much stuff as we can. We have fliers that we have put all over our neighborhood. Every week, we solicit soliciting used clothes, shoes, toys, games, books, sporting equipment, and baby items. We have had some really great days and some so-so ones.”

The two teenagers have already collected about 6,000 toys and clothes items after visiting about 250 houses in the neighborhood. Bill is hoping the school football team will make it a tradition in the coming years.

Read the full story in the August 7 issue of the Coral Springs Forum. Arun can be contacted at 954-574-5339.

> Discuss this entry

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

Hilary Barr likes to keep it simple – her goal in life is to touch the life of at least one person every day.

“My favorite thing in the world is making a difference to other people,” said Barr, a Coral Springs resident and Silver Knight award winner. “There are so many out there who need help. You just cannot stop yourself from lending a helping hand.”

It was a trip to a nursing home when in middle school that ignited her passion for community service, said Barr, who graduated from North Broward Preparatory High School this year. “It felt so incredibly good to be there. Just being there and seeing the smile on people’s faces made my day. Since then, I always look for a chance to help others. I think it is the easiest thing to do.”

Barr, who is getting ready to join Yale University, wants to become a neurosurgeon surgeon. "I will be majoring in cognitive science. I am already researching which clubs I should be a part of. I know I will be involved with community service all my life.”

See Barr's profile in the Sun-Sentinel database of 2008 valedictorians and salutatorians.

Read the full story in the Aug. 7 issue of the Coral Springs Forum.

> Discuss this entry

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

The Coral Springs Center for the Arts has announced entertainers and acts for its 2008-2009 season.

The line-up for the upcoming season boasts many evergreen entertainers and some upcoming stars. Debbie Reynolds, David Copperfield, The Irish Tenors, Josh Blue, Last Comic Standing, and finalists from American Idols in Concert are just a few of the performances you can expect.

The season will kick off on Dec. 23 with the Billy Joel, Twyla Tharp musical sensation, "Movin’ Out." On Direct from Broadway, Luis Bravo’s "Forever Tango" is scheduled for Feb. 10, while Jake Ehrenreich’s "A Jew Grows in Brooklyn" will run from Feb. 4 to Feb. 15.

The “School Days Series,” the theater’s annual education program that offers $6 tickets to more than 20,000 school children across the county each year, will feature productions by some of the top children’s theater companies in the country. “Many children will experience live theater for the very first time,” said education director Linda Hanson. “The price of our tickets is only $6 but the look of joy and amazement on their faces is priceless.”

Tickets are already on sale and can be had from the center box office by calling 954-344-5990. For a full list of performances, visit www.coralspringscenterforthearts.com.

> Discuss this entry

Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0) | Share:

Temple Beth Orr in Coral Springs will organize a "Perfect Party – Perfect Home Showcase," a program that will bring together great ideas for party planning and home improvements.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 19. Rhonda Weiss of MTV’s “The Paper” will be the celebrity guest.

It will be the temple’s first showcase in 10 years. Clients planning a party or sprucing up their homes will be able to receive help from professional vendors. People from Parkland, Coral Springs, Weston, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach and Lake Worth are expected to attend. Admission is $3 per person, while children under 12 are free.

The temple is inviting applications from specialists in the party planning, home décor and renovation fields. The vendor application, worksheet, and contract are available at www.templebethorr.org/community/sisterhood/.

Temple Beth Orr is at 2151 Riverside Drive. For more information, call the Temple office at 954-753-3232.

> Discuss this entry

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

Top Priority, a South Florida classic rock band, will enthrall music lovers in Parkland Aug. 9 at Pine Trails Park Amphitheater, 10561 Trails End. The concert, which starts at 7 p.m., is free and open to Parkland residents only.

The concert is the latest in a series presented by JM Lexus. Until this year, such events were organized by the city, but following a decision by the City Commission, staff has been trying to rope in sponsors for as many events as possible.

Top Priority has Brian Beauvais (lead vocals, guitar and keyboards), Ben Robinson (lead guitar and vocals), Danny Kelley (bass and vocals), and Greg Sherman (drums and vocals.) The band members have played together for about 20 years, making it one of the longest surviving bands in South Florida.

Residents can bring lawn chairs and blankets to the event, but tents, pets and alcohol are not allowed.

For more information, call Colleen O’Dea at 954-757-4120 or e-mail codea@cityofparkland.org.

> Discuss this entry

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

If you are one of those who likes shelling money out for a good cause and enjoys good food and fun in return, this one is for you.

Parkland resident Lisa Beggs and Ellen Tacher of Coral Springs, two women whose lives have been affected by blood cancer, will organize an event on Oct. 3 at the Parkland Golf and Country Club. The event will raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of South Florida. The fundraiser and cocktail party will feature dancing, live entertainment, food and music.

“Our special guest, Tito Puente Jr., will pay a musical tribute to his father, Tito Puente Sr. We will also have a very popular band from the Bahamas playing,” Tacher said.

Tacher said she hopes the event raises more than $100,000. "We need all the help we can get to battle blood cancer,” she said.

The event will go from 7 p.m. to midnight.

For more information, call Lisa Beggs at 754-245-0029 or e-mail her at lisagbeggs@aol.com. Ellen Tacher is available at 954-709-9606 or by e-mailing ellentacher@hotmail.com. POSTED IN: None

> Discuss this entry

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